A Daily Devotional – James, the Epistle – Personal Meditation (8)

A Daily Devotional – James, the Epistle – Personal Meditation

Comment: In Hebrews 11:6 most of us learn by rote that without faith it is impossible to please God and that in coming to God we must believe that HE is God. It would seem that if this verse stood alone, faith without works justifies sanctification; just as it does in justification. This is where many of God’s children miss the mark of pleasing God. James in his epistle states clearly that “faith without works is dead” he message is about sanctification, not justification. Hebrews 11 is filled with the works of the children of God because faith is working with the grace of God through Jesus/Messiah. The works being done were the result of their faith; their confidence is the same sanctifying work in all of God’s children, even today.

Devotional: James 2:14-26 – What profit? Says James, the words (does it) is added or implied. The question is clearer for me if “does it” is removed. Can faith without works save anyone. Well we do see at least one in scripture; someone would argue! Yet, is not the faith of this man at work when he says to the other thief on the cross “do you not even fear God, seeing that you are under the same condemnation? We indeed justly, for we received the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” Luke 23:39-43.

Faith in God always reveals itself by revealing works to those around us, and this pleases God our Father. If someone is in need, do we fail to meet the need because we have faith, or do we do what we can by faith to help? Yes, we do what we can to help! Sanctifying Faith will ALWAYS produce results (works).

Some would argue, “well I believe in God, this is sufficient faith”, I would say “beware of this faith, it is the same as that of the demons, they too believe in God, but it seems to them – insufficient; the tremble! James also says in verse 20, “But do you really want to know O foolish man, that faith without works is dead (literally useless)? Think of it; if the demons tremble at their belief in God which is no different than yours, why are you not trembling also?

Recall that James is writing to his Jewish brothers and he refers them to Abraham’s faith. If you read the history of Abraham; you will know that he struggled with faith, but when Abraham believed God (Genesis 15:6) God called him His friend. So we see from fulfilled scripture that man is justified by faith and sanctified by working faith. Just as the body is dead without the human spirit; so is faith is dead, without human works.